The Opposition has called on the Minns Labor Government to come clean on the cost of their pay deals with union bosses, and to detail what projects and programs face the chop to fund them.
“The Government’s strings are being pulled by the union movement. We have a Premier and Treasurer who are unable or unwilling to be truthful about the cost of the various agreements with their union masters,” Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said.
“Before the election the Premier said that these deals would cost $0 and any additional costs would be offset by productivity gains, but the Government has failed to identify a single productivity saving, and the Minister for Education is now flagging cuts to the Education Department to fund their pay deal for teachers.”
“A week out from their first Budget it’s clear that the Government has lost control of public sector wages – which means NSW’s Triple A credit rating is at risk, projects and programs face the axe, and NSW households and businesses will be paying the price.”
Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope slammed the Government’s shambolic approach to the state’s Budget and industrial relations.
“What we have is a patchwork of backroom deals with union bosses. There is a complete lack of transparency in respect to the cost and sustainability of these various wage agreements,” Mr Tudehope said.
“While the Government is boasting about smashing the wages cap, it has thrown away any control and discipline and compromised the state’s Budget.”
“Today we see more demands from paramedics who are protesting at Parliament as they continue to wait for their sweetheart deal from the Government.”
“We estimate the bill from these union deals to be at least $4 billion, but we fear it will be much more.”
“A week out from the Budget the Treasurer is suspiciously quiet, it’s as though he’s in hiding. Why won’t he front up and clearly explain how much these union deals are costing NSW and how he’ll pay for them?” Mr Tudehope concluded.
